Pages

Tuesday, 16 October 2012

Back in the Saddle

Hello, friends! After some time off working on other projects, I'm back in the office this week. That also means back to having more outfits to post, and a more accurate balance of day-to-day vs. special event gear.

I didn't actually kill these wasps in corners with my toes - we've just been battling an infestation in a hard-to-get-to spot in the barn and it's well past time for a sweepity-sweep. At times the room has been buzzing madly while I'm doing photos.

After I was dressed this morning, I felt something prickly-crawly at my waistband and sure enough felt a little lump under there - ack! - fortunately it wasn't a wasp, but a burr which must have transferred from Beary's woodsman garb in the wash.

Though it wasn't the most pleasant start to my first day back, that freaking-out adrenaline sure got me moving!

I've been very much enjoying your blog, though this is my first comment. I love to see everything you put together and have even had a go at layering, not fully successfully though.

In this post it appears as though the obi is belted high on your waist. Visually, that's the area I need to belt, however I cannot get anything to stay there (and lower down never looks right). Admittedly I don't have any obi belts, or even any scarves structured enough to fill in, so that may make a difference. Do you feel you belt higher than most, and if so, how do you get it to stay where you place it?

Although my waist is fairly short, it is high, but somehow, everything creeps down to where I am wider. I imagine I will be without a belt more than with, but I'd love some hints on how to successfully belt higher on the torso.

Well thank you so much for reading and commenting! Welcome! In all matters of belting, I defer to the absolute goddesses from whom I learned everything I know - lots of belting info can be found via their Greatest Hits / How To sections -

I couldn't say whether I belt "higher than most," hmm. The bottom edge of this belt sits at my natural waist, immediately below which my torso flares dramatically, so if it's fastened tight enough stuff doesn't migrate south! Obi belts are generally softer and comfier than regular stiff wide buckle belts, and cinchers made of elastic will stay put more easily than slippery / non-stretch materials. In my two posts following this one, I wear the aforementioned stiff, wide belts, which stay up by being notched tightly - not super-comfy! Man, did I wish I hadn't done that to myself two days in a row!

Very smart and chic today, Amber! I love the pleat and button detail on the back of the skirt, and your trademark obi belt and wasp-stabber boots and the red scarf add drama.Watch out for those pesky burrs in your clothes! xxxx

Those are some wicked boots. They go perfectly with that gorgeous coat. Is your office in a barn? I can't get over how well this backdrop goes with your blog design. Everything is very cohesive and warm.

Thanks, so much, Joni! The barn is an outbuilding at my home, and my workplace is a wonderfully short drive away. My office can be seen in my first four blog posts.

I had picked out this standard Blogger template background right at the start, and wasn't sure whether I'd stick with it, but find that I like it. I know the white text / dark background isn't the most accessible, but haven't had any complaints since I increased the size of the type. I meant to try out several angles / locations in the barn, but lucked into this first one just working. I haven't felt like I've had the time to experiment, although I may yet! I also haven't figured out my winter lighting solutions yet for when the days get even shorter, and there may be times when the barn is just too cold, so it will be interesting to see what happens!

And you say this is not your special event gear? Lucky folks at work that get to see you in your great ensembles! Tres chic from head to toe. Except maybe for carrying burrs under your belt. But then we all know how you go for a little edginess.

Fantastic boots and great skirt! I've been searching for a skirt like that ever since last winter, but most of them don't come in my size. I love your addition of the red scarf and lipstick!

So strange to hear about the burr - yesterday I had one caught inside the arm of my cardigan. The cardigan had just been washed and hung to dry over the weekend. I have absolutely no idea how it got there!

OK, I SERIOUSLY want that Bebe trench coat. Love those layers. Having just been a "naughty girl" and bought 3 pair of boots, I see I will have to get a move on and post my latest finds. Is it just me, or do other people feel like a "greedy pig" when they buy several nice things all at once? I sort of feel like maybe I should be rationed. What sense is that?

Love from England,Rosemary from www.foreveronthecatwalkoflife.blogspot.com

Oh, you must post your new things! I have been on greatly-reduced shopping myself, and blogging is helping me enjoy what I already have instead of just wearing the same few things "on top" and meanwhile continuing to accumulate.

It would be interesting to consider the sources of those voices of judgement many have internalized. Do you think they are cultural? parental? religious? Mixed up with messages of "selfishness" aimed at women in particular, when meanwhile we are assigned value based on appearance? How do you think they interplay with socioeconomic status and budgeting, and one's current financial status?

How could one not love an outfit that includes an obi belt AND those fabularsehole boots (stealing a word from Sarah Misfit there)? Every one of your outfits is an inspiration! We don't have burrs in my neighbourhood but I remember getting them stuck to my socks all the time when we lived in the country.

Once I was folding an afghan and grabbed a wasp that I didn't know was on it. I was stung hard and deep right in the palm. So I would have pro'bly bolted in a room full of them. Yet, there you are...looking calm, sleek, and dangerous :)